Florida Surety Bonds: Contractor, Notary, Dealer and Probate Bonds

Florida has its own rules for contractor licensing, notaries, vehicle dealers and probate, and bond requirements show up in different places for each. This page covers what Florida requires, including one bond that’s often marketed but no longer required by the contractor licensing rule.

How a surety bond works

You (the principal) buy the bond. The agency, court or project owner that requires it is the obligee. The surety issues it. If a valid claim is paid, the surety looks to you for repayment.

Florida contractors (DBPR / CILB)

The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), part of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), licenses construction contractors. Licenses are either certified (statewide) or registered (limited to the local jurisdictions where you hold a competency card).

Financial responsibility and stability

Under Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C., applicants must show: – No unsatisfied liens or judgments against the applicant or the business being qualified (shown on a credit report), and – A FICO-derived credit score of 660 or higher, or completion of a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course if the score is under 660.

The rule no longer uses a “sub-660 bond” to meet the credit requirement. If a vendor suggests you need one for your CILB license, check the current rule first. Applicants also need the general liability and workers’ compensation coverage the board specifies.

Local and project bonds

Florida counties and cities can require permit, right-of-way and site improvement bonds, and public owners commonly require bid, performance and payment bonds on public construction. See License & Permit Bonds, Site Improvement Bonds, Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds and Construction Bonds.

Notary bonds: $7,500

Florida requires every notary to have a $7,500 surety bond (s. 117.01, F.S.), obtained through a bonding agency approved by the Department of State. The bond protects the public, not the notary. Many notaries also choose errors and omissions insurance for their own protection.

Motor vehicle dealers: $25,000

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires a $25,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit for a motor vehicle dealer license (s. 320.27(10), F.S.; Rule 15C-7.003, F.A.C.), on the department’s bond form for your dealer type. See Auto Dealer Bonds.

Probate and guardianship bonds

In Florida, the circuit court may require a personal representative to post a bond, and guardians are commonly required to post bonds. The court sets the amount, and the will or the court may reduce or waive it in some cases. See Court Bonds, Executor Bonds, Guardianship Bonds and Conservator Bonds.

Other Florida bonds

• Freight broker (BMC-84): Freight Broker Bond
• Customs bonds for importers: Customs Bonds
• Mortgage, collection agency and money transmitter bonds required by the Office of Financial Regulation: Mortgage Bonds, Collection Agency Bonds, Money Transmitter Bonds

Common Florida situations we help with

• A newly certified contractor. Your CILB license may be statewide, but counties and cities can still require permit or right-of-way bonds for specific jobs. Check with each building department.
• A notary applying or renewing. The $7,500 bond is purchased through a Department of State-approved bonding agency as part of the application. Keep your commission dates and bond term aligned.
• A used car dealer opening a new location. FLHSMV requires the $25,000 bond or letter of credit on its form for your dealer type, and the business details on the bond must match your application.
• A personal representative or guardian. The court’s order sets whether a bond is required and the amount. Bring the order or letters when you contact us.
• A contractor bidding a county or school board project. Review the bid documents for bid, performance and payment bond requirements well before the bid date.

What affects your premium

Premiums are usually a percentage of the bond amount and depend on bond type and amount, credit, time in business, financial statements for larger or construction bonds, and claims history.

How to get started

1. Get the requirement in writing, including the obligee name, amount and required form.
2. Request a bond quote or call (410) 650-6020.
3. We submit your application and keep you updated. Approval and timing depend on surety underwriting.

FAQ

Do I need a bond to get a Florida contractor license if my credit score is under 660? Under the current CILB rule, no. You complete a board-approved 14-hour financial responsibility course instead, and you must still have no unsatisfied liens or judgments.

How much is a Florida notary bond? $7,500, through a Department of State-approved bonding agency.

What bond does a Florida car dealer need? A $25,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit on the FLHSMV form for your dealer type.

Can a Florida probate bond be waived? The court decides. It may reduce or waive the bond in some situations. Ask the court or your attorney.

Sources

• Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C.; DBPR CILB “Financial Responsibility and Stability Requirements for Contractor Applicants” and CILB 6-B instructions: myfloridalicense.com
• Florida Statutes s. 117.01 (notary bond); Florida Department of State, Notary Section: dos.fl.gov
• FLHSMV Dealer FAQ: flhsmv.gov ; Rule 15C-7.003, F.A.C.; s. 320.27, F.S.
• Florida Probate Code, ch. 733, F.S.

The Bond Agent is operated by Joshua Feintuch, a licensed insurance producer (Feintuch Insurance LLC DBA Platinum Insurance). Last reviewed Oct 2026. General information only. Confirm requirements with the obligee. Bond approval is subject to surety underwriting.